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ON TRACK TO DRIVE CHANGE

2023 Symposium

October 18–20 | Phoenix, AZ

Purchase RECORDING $225*
Subscribe for 30 Days
In Person $1,999*
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*Space is limited, so reserve your spot now!

Online $449**
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**Not including property tours, technology demonstrations and cultural events.

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On track to drive change.

Plans for a new marketplace of housing and community options are picking up steam. Momentum for more equitable healthcare is gaining. Workplace acceptance is charging forward. The bridge to lifelong learning is taking shape.

During the 2023 First Place Global Leadership Institute Symposium, we will work together and add fuel to these powerful engines of progress. Join us for this energizing event and remarkable journey. All aboard!

  Agenda & Details  

Wednesday, October 18, 2023
1 p.m.– 8 p.m. PDT (In Person Only)

1:00 p.m. (PDT)

In Person Only

A Taste of First Place–Phoenix & Greater Independence Through Tech & Community Life

3001 N. Third Street, Phoenix AZ 85012

4 p.m. (PDT)

In Person Only

Multigenerational Living; Collaboration, Diverse Ages & Abilities

4901 E. Holly St., Phoenix, AZ 85008

  • 29 Palms: Property history
  • Meet the residents
  • Longitudinal study

    • 5:30–8 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Dinner & Networking – Social Hall in Tempe

    715 S. McClintock Dr., Tempe AZ 85281

    “The concepts of localization, the importance of planning at the community level, reacting to the unexpected—and even failure—were all covered with real-world examples.”

    – Jim McGinty, Former Vice Chairman, Cambridge Information Group

    Thursday, October 19, 2023
    8:00 a.m.– 8:30 p.m. PDT (In Person) / 11:30 a.m.– 6:45 p.m. EDT (Online)

    8:00 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Registration: Creighton University Health Sciences Campus–Phoenix

    3100 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012

    8:30 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Home & Community Development

  • Laying the tracks through demonstrated tools and processes
  • Building in less time, with less risk and for long-term sustainability
  • Being that breakthrough property in your community that leads to a wave of solutions

    • Denise D. Resnik

    Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ;
    Co-Founder, SARRC and Matt’s Mom

    8:45 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Gathering Steam

  • Deconstructing the complexity, pace and politics of today’s housing landscape
  • Elements of “home” beyond bricks and mortar
  • Building and supporting more inclusive communities

    • The Honorable Greg Stanton

    U.S. House of Representatives Arizona’s 4th Congressional District

    8:55 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Navigating New Frontiers

  • Picking up steam through research, collaboration and a health equity lens
  • Parameters for working with nonprofit, charitable and private sector interests
  • Research priorities for the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC)

    • Susan A. Daniels, PhD

    National Autism Coordinator, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Director, Office of National Autism Coordination; Executive Secretary, Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee, NIMH/NIH

    9:10 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    History, Housing & Autism

  • How the past is distorting our future
  • Perspectives on changing demographics and public health ethics
  • Challenges and opportunities in the evolution of housing

    • Michael Yudell, PhD

    Vice Dean and Professor, Arizona State University College of Health Solutions

    9:25 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Bright Spots for the Future

    Q&A with Congressman Stanton and Drs. Daniels and Yudell

    9:40 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Understanding the Marketplace

  • Importance of speaking the same language, set forth through A Place in the World
  • Update on housing market analyses
  • About Arizona’s Independence Initiative

    • Desiree Kameka Galloway

    Advisor, First Place Make Waves Center for Community Development

    Maureen Casey

    Director, First Place Global Leadership’s Colonel Harland Sanders Center for Applied Research and The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Center for Public Policy

    Toyosi Adesoye

    Research Coordinator and Data Analyst, First Place Global Leadership Institute

    10:10 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Break

    10:20 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Panel: Tri-Sector Approach to Actionable Outcomes & Crosswalks

  • Real-world implementation
  • Today’s urgency and essential peripheral vision
  • Innovation through Arizona’s 1115 Medicaid Waiver
  • Building community support and political will

    • Dave Brown

    CEO, Valley Leadership CEO; Co-Founder and Board Member, Home Matters® to Arizona

    Joan Serviss

    Director, Arizona Department of Housing

    Liz Da Costa

    Housing Program Administrator, AHCCCS & H2O

    Owen Metz

    Senior Vice President, Dominium – Mountain West Region

    Denise D. Resnik

    Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ and Matt’s Mom

    11:00 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Redevelopment: Thinking Differently About Underutilized Properties

    Morgan McKay

    COO, 29 Acres

    Kristy Chambers

    CEO, Columbus Community Center

    Tammy Dasher

    Director, NextStep at Endeavor Academy

    11:25 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Healthy Community Perspective

  • Developing healthy relationships
  • Social media: source of connection or destruction?
  • Extension of home beyond four walls: neighborhoods, schools, workplaces
  • Recognizing the broad spectrum to address isolation and loneliness

    • Amy Gravino

    Autism Sexuality Advocate and Relationship Coach, Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University

    Ilana Lowery

    Arizona Regional Director, Common Sense Media

    Harry Goralnik

    Resident, First Place–Phoenix

    Judith Ursitti

    Vice President of Government Affairs, CASP; Founder, Profound Autism Alliance and Jack’s Mom

    12:20 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Panel: Approach to the Broad & Diverse Population

  • How do we build a larger tent to get this right?
  • What’s standing in our way?
  • What and who is at risk of losing?

    • Val Paradiz, PhD

    Advisor, First Place Global Leadership Institute

    James Burns, PhD

    Advisor, First Place Global Leadership Institute

    Harry Goralnik

    Resident, First Place–Phoenix

    Judith Ursitti

    Vice President of Government Affairs, CASP; Founder, Profound Autism Alliance and Jack’s Mom

    Amy Gravino

    Autism Sexuality Advocate and Relationship Coach, Center for Adult Autism Services at Rutgers University

    12:45 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Catered Lunch Break

    2:00 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Public Safety & the Law – Ever-Increasing, Life-changing Impact

  • Educating law enforcement, correctional officers and the courts
  • Importance of training
  • Judicial decision-making, its role in sentencing and impact on outcomes

    • Paul Penzone

    Maricopa County Sheriff

    Elizabeth Leonard, PhD

    Forensic Psychologist, Neurocognitive Associates

    Susan Corey

    Capital Defense Attorney and ASU Adjunct Professor

    3:00 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    National Translational Research Consortium: Focusing on Individual & Community Impact

  • Standards for measurement and future benchmarking
  • Impact on policy, capital stacks, fundraising and more
  • Creating gateways for exploration and expansion

    • Christopher Linthwaite

    First Place AZ Research Committee Chair, SCRAM Systems CEO and Preston’s Dad

    Maureen Casey

    Director, Colonel Harland Sanders Center for Applied Research and The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Center for Public Policy

    Catherine Lord, PhD

    Professor of Human Development and Psychology, UCLA

    Michael Yudell, PhD

    Vice Dean and Professor, ASU College of Health Solutions

    3:35 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Panel: Triumphs, Tribulations & Lesson Learned

  • Requirements of the private-sector real estate developers
  • Not-for-profit developer perspectives
  • Tri-sector leadership and understanding

    • Maureen Casey

    Director, Colonel Harland Sanders Center for Applied Research and The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Center for Public Policy

    Morgan McKay

    COO, 29 Acres

    Michael Storz

    President, Chapel Haven

    Tom Toronto

    President, Bergen County United Way, developer of The Green at Florham Park

    4:00 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Networking & Break

    5:30–8:30 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Sight and Sound Converge for a Powerful Evening of Expression and Exploration

    After a special welcome reception and heavy hors d'oeuvres in Western Spirit’s beautiful outdoor courtyard, the evening will feature Sound Tracks, a one-of-a-kind collaboration between two notable artists with autism, photographer Blair Bunting and violinist Laura Nadine. You'll meet award-winning producer/director and Golden Globe winner Scott Steindorff, who just completed his new film, Understanding Autism. You'll also enjoy exhibits from artists with autism Joey Lowenstein and Calvin Shin.

    Experience a spirited convergence of sight and sound inspired by lifelong passions!

    Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

    “The entire symposium was an incredibly valuable learning experience from the standpoint of hearing/seeing all that has been accomplished in the creation of First Place.”

    – Debra Tabakin, Parents with a Plan

    Friday, October 20, 2023
    8:30 a.m.– 2 p.m. PDT (In Person) / 11:30 a.m.– 4 p.m. EDT (Online)

    8:30 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Workplace & Workforce Development: Beyond Accommodations

  • Neurodiverse solutions solving neurotypical problems
  • Game-changing opportunities impacting bottom lines and invigorating business culture
  • Various approaches for various industries and sizes

    • Tom D’Eri

    Owner, Rising Tide Carwash; Author, The Power of Potential: How a Nontraditional Workforce Can Lead You to Run Your Business Better

    Tom Ortega

    Director, First Place Global Leadership Institute Mulzet Center for Expression

    9:00 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Panel: How We Get It Right & the Benefits When We Do

  • Why companies struggle
  • Hiring practices and processes
  • Risk assessment for the company and the individual

    • brad herron-valenzuela

    First Place Global Leadership Institute

    Anthony Pacilio

    Vice President, Neurodiverse Solutions, CAI

    Judith Reilly

    Director, UConn Center for Neurodiversity and Clark’s Mom

    Tom D’Eri

    Owner, Rising Tide Carwash; Author, The Power of Potential: How a Nontraditional Workforce Can Lead You to Run Your Business Better

    9:30 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    A Paradigm Shift for How We Approach Charitable Fundraising

  • "The nonprofit sector’s new manifesto” (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
  • Capacity to change the world through nonprofits
  • Mindset impacting your next move

    • Dan Pallotta

    Entrepreneur, Author & Humanitarian Activist

    “Dan is the embodiment of authenticity, integrity, courage and a higher calling. He is a role model for anyone who wants to embark on the adventure of personal and societal transformation.”
    – Deepak Chopra, author and alternative medicine advocate

    Play Video
    10:30 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Break

    10:40 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Learn4Independence®: Engines of Change

  • Spotlight on curriculum licensees from across the U.S.
  • Expanding runways for today’s students and lifelong learners
  • Leveraging training experiences

    • brad herron-valenzuela

    Director, First Place Global Leadership Institute’s Maricopa IDA Center for Education, Training & Employment

    Tammy Dasher

    Program Director, NextStep at Endeavor Academy, Jackson County, FL

    Justin Dougherty

    President/CEO, Autism Action Partnership, Prosper Academy – Omaha

    Mitchell Bowman

    Executive Director, Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community Center, Austin, TX

    Mary Lloyd Moore

    Executive Director, Clinical Education Complex, Western Kentucky University

    11:20 a.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Lifelong Learning: From Home, Classrooms & Throughout the Community

  • In A Different Key educational toolkit
  • Place4Peers™ curriculum pilot
  • Sprouts Plant to Palate: gardening & curriculum

    • Caren Zucker

    Award-Winning Journalist and Film Producer, and Mickey’s Mom

    John Donvan

    Award-Winning Journalist and Film Producer

    Josh Munoz

    Family & Community Outreach Coordinator, First Place Global Leadership Institute

    brad herron-valenzuela

    Director, Maricopa IDA Center for Education, Training & Employment

    11:50 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person & Online

    Wheels of Change in Motion: Building Your Community Ecosystem

  • Trailblazing is hard work; are you on the right path?
  • Strategies for creating and sustaining a supportive community
  • Developing and refining your plans
  • Building for healthier, happier and more connected lives

    • Denise D. Resnik

    Founder & President/CEO, First Place AZ;
    Co-Founder, SARRC and Matt’s Mom

    12:40–2 p.m. (PDT)

    In Person Only

    Catered Lunch & Networking

    Additional Information
    for In-Person Attendance

    Included

    • Wednesday property tours & supportive technology demonstrations
    • Thursday evening reception, dinner & unforgettable cultural experience
    • Idea exchanges & valuable connections
    • Meals & event transportation

    Not Included

    • Airfare and airport ground transportation
    • Hotel

    We suggest Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown North. Use our group rate (good through Saturday, Sept. 30) and enjoy their complimentary breakfast.

    Questions?

    Please contact Renee, event coordinator, at renee@firstplaceaz.org.

    Speakers

    Toyosi AdesoyeFirst Place Global Leadership Institute, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Center for Public Policy Fellow
    Toyosi Adesoye
    Mitchell Bowman Greenleaf Executive Director
    Mitchell Bowman
    Dave BrownValley Leadership CEO; Home Matters® Co-founder
    Dave Brown
    Blair BuntingPhotographer
    Blair Bunting
    James Burns, PhDFirst Place Global Leadership Institute Advisor, Artist in Residence
    James Burns, PhD
    Maureen CaseyFirst Place Global Leadership Institute Colonel Harland Sanders Centers for Applied Research & The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Center for Public Policy Director
    Maureen Casey
    Tammy DasherNextStep at Endeavor Academy Program Director
    Tammy Dasher
    Elizabeth da CostaAHCCCS Housing Program Administrator
    Elizabeth da Costa
    Tom D’EriRising Tide Carwash Owner and The Power of Potential: How a Nontraditional Workforce Can Lead You to Run Your Business Better Author
    Tom D’Eri
    Laura Nadine DooleyViolinist
    Laura Nadine Dooley
    Justin Dougherty, MPAAutism Action Partnership Executive Director
    Justin Dougherty, MPA
    brad herron-valenzuelaFirst Place Global Leadership Institute Maricopa IDA Center for Education, Training & Employment Director
    brad herron-valenzuela
    Desiree Kameka GallowayNeuroinclusive Housing Solutions CEO; First Place Global Leadership Institute Make Waves Center for Community Development Senior Advisor
    Desiree Kameka Galloway
    Fred Karnas, PhDFormer Senior Advisor to U.S. HUD Secretary; Richmond Memorial Health Foundation Senior Fellow
    Fred Karnas, PhD
    Catherine Lord, PhDUCLA Professor of Human Development and Psychology
    Catherine Lord, PhD
    Ilana LoweryCommon Sense Media Arizona Regional Director
    Ilana Lowery
    Elizabeth Leonard, PhDNeurocognitive Associates Neuropsychologist; ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law Faculty Fellow; Creighton University School of Medicine Assistant Professor
    Elizabeth Leonard, PhD
    Morgan McKay29 Acres COO
    Morgan McKay
    Mary Lloyd Moore, EdDWestern Kentucky University Clinical Education Complex Executive Director
    Mary Lloyd Moore, EdD
    Josh MunozFirst Place Global Leadership Institute Family & Community Outreach Coordinator
    Josh Munoz
    Tom OrtegaFirst Place Global Leadership Institute Mulzet Center for Expression Director
    Tom Ortega
    Anthony PacilioCAI Neurodiverse Solutions Vice President
    Anthony Pacilio
    Dan PallottaEntrepreneur, Author & Humanitarian Activist
    Dan Pallotta
    Valerie Paradiz, PhDFirst Place Global Leadership Institute Advisor
    Valerie Paradiz, PhD
    Paul PenzoneMaricopa County Sheriff
    Paul Penzone
    Denise D. ResnikFirst Place Global Leadership Institute CEO
    Denise D. Resnik
    Judy Reilly, MBAUniversity of Connecticut Werth Institute Center for Neurodiversity and Employment Innovation Director
    Judy Reilly, MBA
    Joan ServissArizona Department of Housing Director
    Joan Serviss
    Scott SteindorffFilm Producer, Executive Producer, Writer & Autism Advocate
    Scott Steindorff
    Michael P. Storz, MBAChapel Haven Schleifer Center, Inc. (CHSC) President
    Michael P. Storz, MBA
    Tom TorontoBergen County United Way President
    Tom Toronto
    Judith UrsittiCouncil of Autism Service Providers Vice President of Government Affairs
    Judith Ursitti
    Michael Yudell, PhDArizona State University College of Health Solutions Vice Dean & Professor
    Michael Yudell, PhD
    Caren ZuckerPulitzer Prize-Finalist Co-Author of “In A Different Key: The Story of Autism” and Award-Winning Documentary Film Co-Producer of “In A Different Key: The Movie”
    Caren Zucker
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    ”Your inspiration, information, direction and energy continue to reach a continent away. So much to help us grow and for us to be able to give back—being stronger together!”

    – Bev Michael, EdAble Social Enterprise

    Home Development

    Home is where it all starts

    With proven tools and processes, you can build in less time, with less risk and for long-term sustainability. Be that breakthrough property in your community that leads to a wave of solutions.

    Workplace & Workforce Development

    Neurodiverse solutions solving neurotypical problems

    Beyond accommodations, it’s about game-changing opportunities that impact bottom lines and invigorate business culture.

    Lifelong Learning

    At home, in classrooms and throughout the community 

    Learning takes place everywhere—with peers, friends and family where natural consequences provide valuable lessons.

    Health Starts at Home

    Through a healthcare equity lens

    Expanding access to health and wellness for neurodiverse adults requires expanding education, expertise and collaboration. Join us in making sure no one goes untreated or is medically misunderstood.

    Mental Health, Public Safety & the Law

    Ever-increasing, life-changing impact

    What’s needed to educate law enforcement, correctional officers and courtrooms to understand and respect autistic and intellectually disabled individuals? Join the conversation.

    Supportive Policy & Infrastructure

    Increasing access to housing and supportive communities

    Learn how identifying needs and preferences—through population and market segmentation, data collection and analysis— shape policies and funding.

    Data Counts

    Focus on both individual and community impact


    Trailblazing is arduous work. Hear from researchers and community builders who are creating gateways for exploration and expansion.

    Community Development

    Building the ecosystem

    From education and healthcare to transportation and public safety, coupling is required for building and sustaining a supportive community. Together, they fortify us to live healthier, more connected lives. 

    Healthy Relationships

    Matters that matter

    With thoughtfully produced facilitation guides, parents, guardians and healthcare providers can more confidently support healthy friendships and intimate relationships.

    Data Counts: Focusing on both individual and community impact

    Trailblazing is hard work. On the right path? Engaging others to join you? Hear from researchers and community builders creating gateways for exploration and expansion.

    Community Development: Building the ecosystem

    Coupling is required for building and sustaining a supportive community. You can’t build it alone. From education and healthcare to transportation and public safety, they fortify us to live healthier, more connected lives. Fortify yourself and others to go the distance.